April has been a busy month, especially for the legislative and beef promotion aspects of our association. While Dr. Powell has spent a lot of time with state senators, representatives, the ag coalition and Alabama's leaders in D.C., Erin has been busy educating chefs, food service representatives and leadership in food retail from across the state. While those have been the biggest items on this month's calendar, there's still plenty going on otherwise. Keep reading to learn what's going on around the ACA this week.
Membership
We are wrapping up membership with 10,650 members as of today and 16 "Over the Top" counties.Get out and get recruiting; not only will it help the state association, but it could win you some awesome prizes. Just in case you need some incentive to get out and recruit, check out these prizes:
- 5 new members – ACA cap and knife
- 15 new members – ACA shirt
- 25 new members – ACA vest
- 35 new members – ACA Red/Black jacket
- 50 new members - $250
Top Hand Club sponsored by Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit
Also, don't forget our John Deere Gator drawing sponsored by John Deere, SunSouth, Tri-Green Equipment, Snead Ag. For every new member you recruit, your name and the new members names go in the drawing. ACA members also have the opportunity to purchase more chances to win by calling ACA at 334-265-1867.
ACA Welcomes Sara Goen to the Team
Speaking of membership, our longtime membership coordinator Selina Knight is no longer with us on the ACA staff. She will be greatly missed, and we are so grateful for her years of dedicated service to the ACA. Happily, however, we have found Sara Goen to takeover Selina's role. 
Sara comes to the ACA with over 20 years of office experience and is ready to learn all about the ACA and its Board, members and outside contacts. Welcome Sara to the team and contact her by her email- sgoen@bamabeef.org.
A Beefy Breakfast at the ACA
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| Pictured L-R Sen. Allen, APEA Director Ray Hilburn, Bill Lipscomb, Sen. Whatley and Erin Beasley. |
Our third floor proved an asset once again as we hosted a large majority of Senate leaders for a beefy breakfast and mingling.
Meetings, Talks and Updates
Dr. Powell has been busy this week with different speaking engagements and meetings. First, on Monday he chaired a conference call with the ACA Executive Committee and 12 RVPs to discuss wrapping up the membership year and to get an update on reaching out to our non-renewed members. On Tuesday, he spoke to 100 members of the Montgomery Kiwanis Club about the beef cattle industry in Alabama during their lunchtime meeting. On Wednesday, after the senators breakfast, he spoke to the Leadership Jackson County group about the state cattle industry during their visit to Capitol Hill.Legislative Update
The Ag Coalition met Tuesday morning in the ACA Board Room to get an update as this legislative session is winding down. Dr. Powell is pleased to report that any proposed legislation that would have any effect on our industry is not anticipated to pass during this session.To stay on top of this legislative session, Dr. Powell has spent a lot of time across the street at the Alabama State House meeting with our state's senators and representatives.
Beef On the Highway
It's no secret that the staff, particularly Director of Checkoff Programs Erin Beasley, is always on the road. Whether we are headed to a county meeting, a beef promotional event or an educational opportunity on beef, our wheels stay spinning.Now, we get to roll in style as the new Beef Mobile is ready to hit the highway! This beef-wrapped beauty is ready to take on the task of promoting beef all across Alabama, and we're excited to have beef back on the road since the retirement of the beloved Beef Wagon.
Read more about the Beef Wagon and the new Beef Mobile in May's issue of the Alabama Cattleman.
Beef 101
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| Hair nets and cowboy hats- talk about a fashion statement! L-R are Larry Montgomery, Bill Lipscomb and Randy Moody. |
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| The group watches a carcass fabrication demonstration led by AU Meat Lab staff, Erin Beasley and Alex Tigue. |
They had plenty of questions answered by industry professionals. Great job, team! We've got two more Beef 101 sessions next week on Monday and Friday, and Board members are invited to attend. If you're interested, contact Erin Beasley.
Culinary Education
Just in case Erin doesn't seem busy enough, tomorrow she's headed south to Andalusia to do a beef education program with the culinary students at Lurlene B. Wallace Community College. And yes, she will be taking the Beef Mobile, so if you see her in passing, honk at her!Last Call for Bama's Best Beef
We kicked off a springtime beef promotion on two weeks ago that highlights Alabama's unique beef dishes. Using the power of social media to drive the contest and by promoting it to Alabama's restaurants and chefs, we've started to receive nominations of those not-so-average beef dishes made and served right here in Alabama. We've got our eyes set on all those unconventional, yet delicious, beef dishes! Submit your nomination here by Monday, April 25.
Other Tidbits from This Week:
- The SLE received the 157 premium checks in the mail to send to the Junior Beef Expo exhibitors, reflecting their placings in the show. With that, the 2016 JBE is wrapped up!
- Erin and Dr. Powell are actively participating in the Auburn Agriculture Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology Livestock Economist interview process. This position is to fill the one left vacant by Dr. Walt Prevatt. So far, three candidates have interviewed.
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